Frequently Asked Questions

Finding a cremation service provider that has a reputation built on integrity, and that cares for your loved one with dignity and respect, is critically important. As one might expect, there are many providers to inspect before choosing one. At last count, there were more than 70 crematories listed with the Kansas and Missouri funeral regulatory agencies,and it falls on your shoulders to find the right one for your needs. With so many providers to choose from, you need to know what is important when selecting one for yourself or your loved one. The first step is knowing the standards by which to judge.

Eight Standards to use when choosing a Cremation Service Provider:

  • Crematory Location: The location of the crematory should be in a facility that accepts visitors and allows for public inspection. If inspection is denied or even offered hesitantly, stay away.
  • Witnessed Cremation: Witnessing the beginning of the cremation process offers closure for some people. Any family member desiring to witness this process should feel welcome to do so. The crematory should in no way discourage you from doing so.
  • References: A reference list of families who have been served in the recent past should be readily available upon request.
  • Ownership and Certified Cremation Operators: Do they own their own crematory and have your loved one in their care at all times, or do they contract the service out? Who performs their cremations? Ask if the cremationists have been certified, by a recognized organization, in the proper use of the cremation equipment and proper care of the body and cremated remains. Request to see the certification documentation.
  • Affiliations: Ask the cremation provider if they are a member of the Cremation Association of North America(CANA). This is a voluntary membership association which has established the highest quality standards for the cremation industry.
  • Policies and Procedures: Since cremation is an irreversible process, a reputable cremation service provider will have written policies and procedures to ensure that you or your loved one will be cared for properly and treated with dignity. As a consumer, you have a right to review the provider’s policy and procedure manual.
  • Up-Front Pricing: You would think having a general price list would be a requirement to conduct business in the funeral industry … and it is. The Federal Trade Commission requires that consumers be given a general price list as soon as there is any discussion about services. Ask for a General Price List.
  • Identification and Security: What is the procedure to track your loved one through the cremation process and verify the identity of the cremated remains following cremation? Log books should be available that document the provider’s strict adherence to policy.

The Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri, with members in more than 85 cities across Kansas and Missouri, are known as the Cremation Specialists of the Midwest. Please contact us if you would like our answers to any of these questions or for other questions and concerns you may have.

Your prearranged services with other funeral homes are fully transferable to the Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri. For more information, please call us toll free at 866-566-9888.

Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri obtains these certified copies as quickly as possible to afford you ample time to begin getting personal assets in order. To know how many death certificates you will need, you must first inventory the assets for which there is a benefit to be paid, a legal notification is required, or a legal transfer of ownership is required. Your attorney or accountant should be able to assist you in determining the correct number of certificates to order.

Check with individual companies, banks, etc. to determine if they will need to keep a certified copy for their records, or if they will make their own photocopy of a certified copy and return the original. You will need certified copies of the death certificate for items such as:

  • Probate
  • Life insurance proceeds (include travel, unions, mortgage and credit, life, etc.)
  • Sell or transfer stocks, bonds, CD's
  • Sell or transfer real property
  • Sell or transfer car, boat, mobile home, modular home titles
  • Employee benefits and pensions
  • Bank and loan transactions
  • Income tax records
  • Veteran monetary benefit claims
  • Transfer of remains outside of the United States

Re-Order Certified Death Certificates

Sometimes additional death certificates are needed weeks, months, or even years following a death. If the Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri directed the services, you can obtain additional certified copies by giving us a call. Otherwise, please contact Vital Statistics directly by phone or mail.

KANSAS

Kansas Department of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66612
1-785-296-1427

Kansas Death Certificates: $15 -- for each certified copy Takes 7-10 days

MISSOURI

Missouri Vital Records
Broadway State Office Building
Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65101
1-573-751-6400

Missouri Death Certificates: $13 --- first certified copy, $10 each additional certified copy

REQUEST BY MAIL

Mail requests for a death certificate should include the following information:

  • Name of deceased
  • Date of death
  • Place of death
  • Funeral home establishment
  • Relationship to decedent or reason for obtaining the certificate

Yes, the Catholic Church allows cremation. Please call us to request an informative brochure that takes an in-depth look at the effects of recent changes. It’s free, and you’ll learn more about cremation and where the Catholic Church stands.